(06-11-2010 01:39 PM)Mindprowler Wrote: Just got my copy of Carl Sagan's "Demon-Haunted World" in the mail about
a week ago and have been reading it since then, absolutely incredible book.

Here's a quick quote that I really enjoyed
and I think could represent the whole book:

"There are no forbidden questions in science, no matters too sensitive or
delicate to be probed, no sacred truths. That openness to new ideas, combined
with the most rigorous, skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, sifts the wheat from the
chaff. It makes no difference how smart, august, or beloved you are. You must
prove your case in the face of determined, expert criticism. Diversity and debate
are valued. Opinions are encouraged to contend - substantively and in depth."

It makes me happy that you love his books. I have yet to read them. But I was a young adult when the "Cosmos" series aired... I was so mesmerized that he remains as The hero that brought the cosmos to the average Joe. To me. You will find that I have a habbit of posting his videos in my facebook from time to time.

The Beauty of The Scientific Method , is the Anticipation of a Better Explanation.

Introductory rheology - It's a tough subject
An overview of interface science - Because one of the reviewers at my defence requires that i improve my theoretical background.
The brain that changes itself - because my shrink said so.
Fallen - It's not very good. Very 'gothic' romance. But im too far through not to finish it.
Eastern and little nature deity - General side stories to the touhou project
Wild and horned hermit - More recent Side stories to the touhou project
Inaba of the moon and Inaba of the earth - side stories to touhou project 8 imperishable night

Swastika Night by Katherine Burdekin - A very grim interpretation on how the world would be if the Nazis had won the war. Written in 1937 before the war even took full stride Burdekin's insight is actually fairly close to historical accuracy on some counts. A very, very bleak read and yet I can't put it down.

Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy - I haven't gotten too far yet but it seems promising.

The Famished Road by Ben Okri - Yet another I have just begun but I'm finding all this Nigerian literature I'm being exposed to very fascinating. Post-colonial fiction/historical fiction is one of my favorite modes of writing considering I'm Canadian and have a natural inclination to re-examine my colonial roots and yet, being a first generation Canadian to a British parent, I can't help but feel those old colonial ties. It's a strange middle ground

"Owl," said Rabbit shortly, "you and I have brains. The others have fluff. If there is any thinking to be done in this Forest - and when I say thinking I mean thinking - you and I must do it." - A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner